What if you could grow your business like an ecosystem, instead of an empire?

Join our Founding Circle (Beta)

The Build Ecosystems, Not Empires™ Founding Circle is a 3-month coaching program & community for purpose-driven BIPOC founders.

Together we’ll unlearn the empire-building tactics that are keeping us burnt out and broke, and embrace more regenerative and joyful ways to grow.

Community opens on Nov 3rd, 2026

“I have never felt this seen, connected and congruent in all my dimensions in any other online business groups I’ve participated in.

The collective energy in here with such brilliant thinkers and doers sharing was cathartic!!! I hope this is just the beginning ⚡️ ”

– Kathy Kwon, Brand & Website Designer and Founder of Bright Matters Studio

Join the waitlist

Sign up to get all the details once we’re ready to launch. Program begins November 3rd.

    You don’t have to choose between growing your business and staying true to your values. And you definitely don’t have to do it alone.

    Most business advice assumes you want to build an empire. They sell you the same advice: scale as quickly as possible, go as niche as you can, market with urgency and scarcity, and keep hustling no matter how you feel.

    But if you’re a purpose-driven BIPOC founder who doesn’t want to replicate the systems that harm our people, that way of doing business gives you the ick.

    The truth is: You didn’t start a business to burn yourself out, working more for less money than your 9-to-5. You want your business to feel unapologetically like you. To make you money. And to give back to the community, too.

    If this is resonating, you’re exactly who I created the Build Ecosystems, Not Empires™ Founding Circle for.

    Community will run from November 3rd, 2026 to January 29th, 2027.

    • Grow your business in alignment with your values, mission, and activism so your business truly feels like you.

    • Market your work boldly and unapologetically, in a way that deepens relationships with your community and pays you a salary (and a generous one at that).

    • Design products and service offerings that are easeful, joyful, AND profitable. No more spreading yourself thin.

    • Be in community with other BIPOC founders and allies who are growing their purpose-driven brands alongside you.

    • Own your identity as a badass CEO and make decisions from a place of self-trust, intuition, and purpose.

    How would it feel to…

    You and your business can be a source of collective wealth & mutual flourishing.

    Join us for the Fall Founding Circle.

    What’s Included In The Founding Circle:

    Community, Coaching, and Educational Resources to support you in building a business that feels authentically aligned with your values, grows your business without burning you out, and generates wealth for your community.

    Monthly Group Coaching Calls

    Get personalized coaching from me on your specific challenges –

    whether it’s pricing anxiety, marketing and visibility strategies, mindset blocks or capacity leaks —

    we’ll help you navigate growing your ecosystem in alignment with your values, energy, and vision.

    Weekly Live
    Co-Working & Office Hours

    Get 💩 done alongside values-aligned BIPOC founders, make new friends, and swap ideas on strategy – because you can’t build an ecosystem alone.

    Come with a project to work on and bring questions for office hours where you can get personalized support from Gelaine and your fellow founders.

    Private Community Space

    Opportunities to connect with other founders who care about liberation and collective care just as much as you do.

    You’ll also have space to values-aligned BIPOC founders, ask questions & get support between our live calls, and experience powerful transformations.

    Growing Resource Library

    You’ll get access to my most popular and highest rated templates and workshop recordings, as well as fresh new assets that I’ll be crafting specifically for you.

    This includes:

    • Real + Rich Brand Storybook

    • Customer persona and interview templates to help you stop posting into the void and attract your ideal customers instead.

    • My 3C Content Pillars Framework to make content that builds connection, community, and converts into sales.

    • And more!

    What Past Clients & Students Are Saying

    • "I always choose to work with [Gelaine], not just because of the results… but it’s because of your personal integrity. I know you walk your talk."

      Cleodia Martinez
      Repeat Client & Founder, Midsummer Kitchen and Author. Mount Luntian Books

    • "Thank you for creating this space Gelaine. Being able to share our passions and care — and it doesnt go over people's heads, or receive eye rolls lol 💕💕💕"

      Participant,
      Build Ecosystems, Not Empires Virtual Summit

    • “You were not only a coach, but really, in a way, a cheerleader... I applied your edits to make the post more specific, and I saw two bookings the next morning.

      Lourdes Still,
      Repeat Client & Founder of Masagana Flower Farm

    • "Thank you for bringing together this amazing group of people!! @Gelaine Santiago so so grateful to be in space with yall 💛"

      Participant, Build Ecosystems, Not Empires Virtual Summit

    Grow in a way that makes you and your community flourish.

    The BENE Founding Circle begins November 3rd. Join the waitlist 👇🏽